Quote:August 2011 - Such excellent news.The VA system recently received a directive that transgendered veterans receive appropriate treatment (including hormone replacement and even surgery). ANOTHER MAJOR BREAK-THROUGH - If you really want to understand what you have suffered for as long as you can recall read THE GENDERED SELF - by Anne Vital PhD - you will never look back again - see link below -- November 1st 2009 New regulations by the Medical Council of Thailand. The council moved recently to strictly control sexchange operations and require that transgender people consult a gender specialist, psychologist or psychiatrist. The new regulations require that surgeons or physicians undertaking the sexchange be registered with the Medical Council. They must also treat any complications that occur following surgery. Surgeons who violate the new regulations face warnings or the threat of having their medical licence revoked. October 2008 Australian researchers have identified a significant link between a gene involved in testosterone action and male-to-female transsexualism - Terry Reed from the Gender Identity Research and Education Society said she was convinced of a biological basis to transsexualism. This study appears to reinforce earlier studies which have indicated that, in some trans people, there may be a genetic trigger to the development of an atypical gender identity'(see research link below). However, it may be just one of several routes and, although it seems extremely likely that a biological element will always be present in the aetiology of transsexualism, it's unlikely that developmental pathways will be the same in all individuals'. - June 17, 2008 NCTE Applauds the AMA Call for Removal of Financial Barriers to Care for Transgender Patients - The American Medical Association (AMA) passed a resolution yesterday calling for public and private health insurance coverage for treatment of gender identity disorder as recommended by the patient's physician. The declaration, known as Resolution 122 removing Financial Barriers to Care for Transgender Patients, was passed by the House of Delegates - AMA's primary decision-making body - at its annual conference in Chicago. Resolution 122 affirms the effectiveness of medical treatment for transsexuals and the right to appropriate treatment. It also names as discriminatory the categorical denial of health insurance coverage for psychotherapy, hormonal and surgical treatments for transgender patients, and reiterates the AMA's opposition to discrimination based on gender identity. The full text of the resolution is below. - An expert said the findings reported in BJU International reflected patients' determination to undergo the op. - America's physicians are saying that transgender people, like all others, deserve competent medical care based on what individual doctors and their patients determine is healthiest for each person, noted Mara Keisling, Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE). Doctors and patients, not insurance companies, should be making those choices. We are so glad that the AMA has taken a leadership role against the rampant discrimination that transgender people have faced for so many years in receiving appropriate medical care and equitable insurance coverage, health insurance coverage has been made into prominent national issue recently thanks in part to a three year campaign by the AMA.NCTE has prioritized ending health insurance discrimination against transgender people" RESOLUTION 122 Subject: Removing Financial Barriers to Care for Transgender Patients Whereas, Our American Medical Association opposes discrimination on the basis of gender identity Whereas, Gender Identity Disorder (GID) is a serious medical condition recognized as such in both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition (DSM-IV) and the International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision); and is characterized in the DSM-IV as a persistent discomfort with one\assigned sex and with one primary and secondary sex characteristics, which causes intense emotional pain and suffering; and Whereas, GID, if left untreated, can result in clinically significant psychological distress, dysfunction, debilitating depression and, for some people without access to appropriate medical care and treatment, suicidality and deathWhereas, The World Profession for Transgender Health, Inc. (WPATH) is the leading international, interdisciplinary professional organization devoted to the understanding and treatment of gender identity disorders, and has established internationally accepted Standards of Care for providing medical treatment of people with GID, including mental health care, hormone therapy, and sex reassignment surgery, which are designed to promote the health and welfare of persons with GID and are recognized within the medical community to be the standard of care for treating people with GID; and Whereas, An established body of medical research demonstrates the effectiveness and medical necessity of mental health care, hormone therapy, and sex reassignment surgery as forms of therapeutic treatment for many people diagnosed with GID Health insurance coverage has been made into prominent national issue recently thanks in part to a three year campaign by the AMA. NCTE has prioritized ending health insurance discrimination against transgender people.

This online gender service has for the past 12 years provided counselling as a means to assist people who suffer gender related issues, through the use of written communication (chat). As a vehicle to bring about not only change, but to provide an understanding of why that individual has had feelings of gender dysphortia and difference from an early age. It then looks at the direction they would like to take after gaining knowledge and a thorough understanding of their gender dysphoria.. Whether written or spoken, online therapy is a valuable core component of communication. Whilst some may think that communication is best achieved through face to face interaction and verbal exchanges, there is in fact little evidence, if any, to back this; in fact, the anonymity and lack of inbred subjectivity that is identifiably apparent through online therapy, at most times assists the individual to open up more easily and feel more free to express themselves. More than they may normally do so in a conventional face to face situation. Thus, in terms of gender counselling and assessment this has had positive results in enabling the client of let go of that 'secret' then embracing it and coming to terms with what is inside. A major and tormented part of themselves which many have held back and repressed over the years.

Online gender counselling is in many aspects more secure, confidential, and private than traditional face-to-face therapy/counselling. Mainly due to its unique qualities, the counselling takes place in an anonymous or pseudonymous context. This provides a level of security and confidentiality that cannot be matched in a therapist office. It also gets rid of the subjectivity.

Online therapy therefore offers a valuable new approach which extends to an isolated group of people, who hold a concern of their gender related feelings and issues of confidentiality acceptance and privacy. It also extends to those living in isolated areas, places where there are no available counsellors and people who are housebound, disabled plus those who may not normally have access to a gender health service.

To 'correct' birth gender difference many transsexuals endure years of torments and suffering and undergo personal and mayor life-changes through a planned process of 'transitioning'. This change requires acceptance, understanding, knowledge, information, support and guidance all of which are combined and essential factors that can enable a person with a gender dysphoria, to fully achieve their 'true self' and then be able to live the rest of their lives in psychological harmony and spiritual balance.

This procedure can be accomplished not merely by way of a hormones SRS and related operations, but in tandem with full recognition and acceptance accompanied by the enablement of their inner self and an unending desire, all of which is normally achieved by simply fusing both their mind and body as one. This essential journey for some transsexuals enables the individual to live a normal non-dysphoric happier and more contented life, for the majority both during and after transitioning, rather than them remaining in a state of social isolation, unhappiness, anxiety, depression and dysphoric confusion.

To assist you in achieving the above my mission as a fully qualified and experienced gender specialist and member of The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) (formerly known as the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA)) The American Counseling Association (ACA) and a member "The Psychological Association of the Philippines" (PAP) my aim is to endeavor and provide, though counseling sessions, appropriate information and guidance in a constructive and non judgmental manner, together with ongoing support for all transgender clients. As I am at most times the first gender professional contacted, no matter what I am referred to, my overall intention is to become a trusted advocate and a source of information strength and support

As a counsellor and experienced mental health professional specializing in Male to Female and Female to Male gender change, cross dressing activity, dysphoria and other related topics. I offer individualized online counselling and assessment leading in a timely manner to letters of recommendation for both hormones, surgery and other related topics. I further provide advice, support and time-limited guidance for cross-gender and other kinds of personal expression.

On contact I offer a short initial discussion, this can be used to ask questions and gather information about my service. Schedule appointments and discuss the professional service fee. If you feel that you could benefit from the service I have to offer, simply follow the instruction to commence your online relationship If you would like to reach me directly - please use one of the 'Chat boxes above, leave a message or simply e-mail me at etherapy@gmail.com.